Numismatic

1962 Jefferson Nickel Gem Proof

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In 1962, the Philadelphia Mint produced a striking proof version of the classic five-cent piece, showcasing the mid-century aesthetic of American coinage. This particular issue is celebrated for its Gem Proof finish, a preservation state that highlights the sharp details and polished surfaces characteristic of coins minted specifically for collectors rather than general circulation. The obverse of the coin presents a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Accompanying his likeness are the traditional inscriptions of "LIBERTY" and the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST", alongside the year 1962. Because this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it does not bear a mint mark, a standard practice for the facility during this era. On the reverse, viewers can admire a detailed rendering of Monticello, Jefferson's famous Virginia estate. The neoclassical plantation home is depicted with remarkable clarity, framed by the legends "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" below. The denomination is spelled out clearly as "FIVE CENTS" directly beneath the historic building, completing a design created by Felix O. Schlag.